Question

Evaluate the role of the Bhakti and Sufi movements in the development of literature and regional languages in medieval India.

Answer 1

Instructions: Explain the following points:

1. Define Bhakti movement
   • Concept of Bhakti movement – Individual’s devotion to God
   • Influence on language – poets wrote in vernacular language
2. Define Sufi Movement
   • Concept of Sufi movement – Rejection of luxury and worldly desires
   • Influence on language – Led to the development of Urdu language

Solution:

1. The Bhakti movement:
   • It originated in southern India and was based on a deep love and devotion towards God.
   • The poets of the movement wrote in the language of the masses.
   • This led to the development of regional languages like Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Hindi, Bengali, and Gujarathi.
2. The Sufi movement:
   • Sufis rejected luxurious life and emphasised on a spiritual life.
   • Some of the famous Sufis were Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti, Nizamuddin Auliya, etc.
   • The Sufi movement led to the development of Urdu language.